Study visits Netherlands and Belgium

Strategies for identification and evaluation of regional research & development potentials

Source: S_LIFE

12th June 2014 – Representatives of the Automotive Cluster of Slovenia had a chance to learn about good practices from Belgium and the Netherlands. The second study visit of the S-LIFE project[1] was hosted by ARN[2]. 6 representatives from Slovenia participated to this event, focusing on good practices in recycling and reuse of materials from End-of-Life Vehicles.

Automotive Cluster of Slovenia (ACS) and its members participated to the second study visit on the topic of Separation and sorting technologies for automotive related recycling operations. The host partner (ARN) guided the participants along companies with a ‘green innovative’ but profitable business model, operating along the automotive recycling chain.The programme started with a visit to a non-profit organization Febelauto which is responsible for end-of-life vehicles in Belgium, the organisation ensures the collection, treatment and recycling of scrap cars. Febelauto takes care of both the organisation and monitoring of the entire process.

This visit was followed by the tour in the company Rumal, one of Europe’s largest specialists in all categories of tyre recycling – including an innovative rubber vulcanisation plant and by a visit in Eco Care that is a small-size but innovative company capable in processing complex automotive production waste, such as dashboard and non-other laminated plastics. The second day the study visit continued the programme in company Bart Ebben that has developed towards one of the premier Authorised Treatment Facilities (ATF’s) for ELV’s in the Netherlands. The company specialises in (reused) parts resale from Citroen and Peugeot brands, and has a strong European distribution network.

Participants also visited the industrial facility of ARN Recycling that is the European largest company specialising in treatment and application of Automotive Shredder Residue (ASR). Instead of landfilling ASR, ARN provides an alternative through innovative separation of shredder waste into minerals, metals, plastics fractions and fibres. The Director of ACS, Mr Dušan Bušen highlighted that Slovenian companies have the unique opportunity to learn more about knowledge transfer and the system of reuse of materials throughout the life cycle of the car as well as the opportunity to meet new partners and expand their business network. “We want to use this to encourage our stakeholders to participate in the project. It will give them the keys to developing methods and procedures for the reuse of automotive parts and materials, which can bring new competitive advantages for Slovenian companies."

Study visits are one of the S_LIFE project’s activities that are of particular importance to Slovenia, as a mentee region. They aim at promoting and sharing good practices from more advanced regions, hence promoting education and networking. They are targeted at policy makers as well as industry professionals, researchers or students.

The S_LIFE project identifies new technological approaches and solutions throughout the automotive product lifecycle – from material and design to manufacturing up to dismantling of the vehicles and recycling of its materials. The seven partners from France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Italy work closely together to develop strategies, from the identification and evaluation of regional research & development potentials to a joint action plan for the activation, coordination and pooling of resources and skills. The project aims at developing the cooperation between EU’s leading regions of the automotive industry and to transfer the latest innovations and solutions for both, science and industry.

[1] - European Synergies and Cooperation for Sustainable Vehicles along the Life Cycle